The Detroit Lions, with a 10-4 record, squared off against the Minnesota Vikings at 7-7 for a Sunday divisional showdown, aiming to clinch their first division title since 1993. The Lions opened the game with a strong drive, as Jared Goff completed 7 of 9 passes for 76 yards, leading to a 1-yard touchdown run from David Montgomery. The drive consumed 7:47, with the Lions converting on all three third-down attempts. The Vikings responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Chandler following a near-interception by Brian Branch, tying the game at 7-7. The first half ended with the Lions ahead 17-14, but the Vikings surged in the third quarter with Nick Mullens completing a series of seven throws, including a 26-yard touchdown to Justin Jefferson and a 6-yard touchdown to K.J. Osborn, to take a 21-17 lead.
Not the start the Lions D was looking for in third. Mullens to Osborn for TD. Kick good. Vikings 21, Lions 17 with 11:56 left in third.
Nick Mullens' last seven throws 22yd to Jefferson Incomplete 29yd to Jefferson 26yd TD to Jefferson 24yd to Hockenson 47yd to Osborn 6yd TD to Osborn Vikings lead 21-17
Nick Mullens to KJ Osborn. Touchdown. Vikings take the lead. What a way to come out of the locker room after halftime.
Mullens throws a bomb to K.J. Osborn who beat Khalil Dorsey and Vikings at Lions 6-yard line. #DETvsMIN
The Lions are two quarters away from their first NFC North title 🤯 They lead the Vikings 17-14 at the half. https://t.co/3uJk1YDaT1
Mullens to Justin Jefferson for 26-yard TD. Kick good. Lions 17, Vikings 14 with 29 seconds left in half.
You could hear the crowd hold its breath as Nick Mullens released that throw to Jefferson in the end zone. Touchdown. Mullens to Jefferson x3 for 22 yards, 29 yards and then a 26-yard touchdown. Gets the Vikings back on the board with 29 seconds before halftime 17-14, Lions
Lions ball at Vikings 33 with 2:38 left in the half. #DETvsMIN
End of first: Lions 7, Vikings 7. Goff 7-9, 76 yards. Lions 3-of-3 on third downs.
Vikings go for it on fourth-and-2 from the Detroit 40. Brian Branch gets the interception this time. Lions ball.
Brian Branch's near-interception, followed by Vikings 2-yard TD run by Chandler on next snap. Kick good. LIons 7, Vikings 7 with 2:51 left in first
Lions converted third-and-5 third-and-1 third-and-1 the last of which Montgomery took for a 1-yd touchdown on his eighth carry of the opening possession. An early deficit was not on the road map to a Vikings win.
Lions easily marched down the field, finishing off with a 1-yard rushing TD by David Montgomery. Kick good. Lions 7, Vikings 0 with 7:13 left in first. Goff 5-of-6 for 61 yards.
Couldn't ask for a better opening drive from Jared Goff and the Lions: 14 plays, 80 yards, six first downs and a TD. Took 7:47 off the clock and lead 7-0 over the Vikings.
The Lions chew up 7:47 of the first quarter, converting three third downs and scoring on David Montgomery's 1-yard run. Pretty perfect start if you're a Lions fan. Lions 7, Vikings 0. 7:13 Q1
Touchdown, Lions. David Montgomery from a yard out. After electing to receive, the Lions just went 75 yards on 14 plays, taking up 7:47 off the clock. Lions 7, Vikings 0.
David Montgomery plunges into the end zone to cap off a very impressive opening drive for the Lions. Not ideal for the Vikings.
Lions-Vikings 🏈 https://t.co/zxAIyr4baY
#Lions (10-4) against the #Vikings (7-7) for a Sunday divisional showdown (11 AM MT). The #Lions with a win can clinch their first division title since 1993.